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Autism Support in the Roanoke Valley

Today was an awesome day for my sweet little kids. We went to a function here in the Roanoke Valley that was in support of autism awareness. The Roanoke Valley Project Lifesaver and Autism Awareness Extravaganza was a GREAT hit! There were kids and adults of all ages and all stages of autism there and they were having a great time. Josiah and Bethany LOVED the Llamas. They got to pet them, feed them and Josiah got to take one for a walk. They also got to pet a couple of goats. Josiah enjoyed telling the caretakers all about what the goats like to eat and what they like to do. Here are some pictures of their time with the animals:













We were so very thankful for all of the free services provided, as well as the free ice cream and hot dogs, chips and water. The kids really enjoyed all of the free food and goodies as well.

One of the best services there, as a mother speaking, was The Virginia Child Identification Program. This was a free service by the Masons of the 22nd District of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and the Grand Lodge of Virginia. After you register your child, they take digitally scanned fingerprints, then they take still photos of your child and a voice recording. Then they give you a sheet with the fingerprints and picture, which you can take and have laminated to keep in your wallet, then they give you the CD with the fingerprints, pictures and voice recording. Then they delete the file and do not keep any data. Isn't this an awesome service? My Josiah had a short period where he was a wanderer, and although I really hope that never happens again, I now have a kit that will help us in that time of need!

Josiah and Bethany also loved McGruff the Crime Dog and they loved the face painting...Josiah wanted a cheetah painted on and Bethany wanted spider man.



All in all, this really was a great day. Thanks to the many volunteers, policemen, firemen, face painters, animal caretakers, food providers and all of the vendors set up inside with their booths that had multiple information. This was an awesome hit!!!

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